Sir George Downing, 1st Baronet

Sir George Downing Bt
Portrait by Thomas Smith, c. 1675–1690
Teller of the Exchequer
In office 1660–1684
Ambassador to the Dutch Republic
In office 1657–1665
Member of Parliament for Morpeth
In office April 1660 – 1684
Member of Parliament for Carlisle
In office 1656–1660
Member of Parliament for Edinburgh
In office 1654–1656
Personal details
Born	c. 1623 Dublin, Ireland
Died	pr. 19 July 1684 (aged 59)[1]
Spouse	Frances Howard ​ ​ (m. 1654; died 1683)​ [2]
Children	6, including Sir George Downing, 2nd Baronet
Residence	Gamlingay
Alma mater	Harvard College
Occupation	Statesman Soldier Diplomat Spymaster Preacher
Military service
Allegiance	Commonwealth of England
Commands	Scoutmaster-General of Commonwealth Forces in Scotland
Battles/wars	Anglo-Scottish war (1650–1652) Dunbar Worcester

Sir George Downing, 1st Baronet (c. 1623 - c. 19 July 1684) was an Anglo-Irish diplomat and financial reformer, who held office first under the Commonwealth of England, then Charles II. As Teller of the Exchequer, he carried out major reforms in public finance, including securing passage of the Navigation Acts, intended to protect English maritime commerce, especially from the Dutch Republic.

He played a significant role in acquiring New York City from the Dutch in 1665. Two New York streets are named after him, one in Greenwich Village and one in Brooklyn, as well as Downing Street, London.